New Chicken mama ready to winterize.

[Soon2BChixMom]

I just put 4 mil plastic on part of my run. I placed it where I think it will do the most good, but I didn’t wrap the whole run. One side is next to my shed, so I left that open and mostly just wrapped the south side as it is the most open (no trees or buildings to shield it). Since this is my first winter, I guess it’s going to be a trial year.

 

[junebuggena]

so I need to do both coop run wall and back of coop. I have 2 roost one high and one lower in the smaller coop and 2 nesting boxes. The larger coop has 2 roosts and 2 nesting boxes. I can remove the roosts in the smaller one.

Yes, you need air to come in and air needs to be pushed out.

 

[barn206]

I just put 4 mil plastic on part of my run. I placed it where I think it will do the most good, but I didn’t wrap the whole run. One side is next to my shed, so I left that open and mostly just wrapped the south side as it is the most open (no trees or buildings to shield it). Since this is my first winter, I guess it’s going to be a trial year.

Hi stbcm
The south side of any coop or run should be your opening and or vent. This is my first winter as well. Venting is important. I’m patiently waiting to see how much venting vs frost bitten combs I’ll have this winter. ( I know about Vaseline etc on their combs and waddle ). One square foot per bird in the summer is ideal ( vent ). One square foot per bird in the winter.. why not make a 3 sided coop? These are question I’ve asked myself. Anyway I guess we will find out what works best by going through it. Btw I’m not challenging anyone’s opinions/ facts, I’m just very curious to see how my birds do. So far they are doing great !!! I’m still very mindful of them and concerned like yourself. Good luck this winter

 

[Pegasusi]

A louvered gable vent can be added to the peak without any concern of the depth of the eaves. https://m.lowes.com/pl/Gable-vents-Gable-vents-accessories-Ventilation-Building-supplies/4294512324

 

[Hokum Coco]

I also have a cozy heater if and when should I use it.

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

 

[cacklemama]

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

I have a gfi outlet by the coop for the water heater. We placed the wire in pvc to prevent any chewing or wear on the wire. Thank you for your advice.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Hi stbcm
The south side of any coop or run should be your opening and or vent. This is my first winter as well. Venting is important. I’m patiently waiting to see how much venting vs frost bitten combs I’ll have this winter. ( I know about Vaseline etc on their combs and waddle ). One square foot per bird in the summer is ideal ( vent ). One square foot per bird in the winter.. why not make a 3 sided coop? These are question I’ve asked myself. Anyway I guess we will find out what works best by going through it. Btw I’m not challenging anyone’s opinions/ facts, I’m just very curious to see how my birds do. So far they are doing great !!! I’m still very mindful of them and concerned like yourself. Good luck this winter

I think as far as the south side of a coop or run being open depends on your geographical area and how it is set up. For us, that side has no protection from the wind or elements. I looked up the most prominent direction for the winter wind in our area and it generally comes from the south for our area.
So that is what I based my decision on as far as the run goes.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I have a gfi outlet by the coop for the water heater

Smart move. I hope more BYC followers adapt your method.

 

[cacklemama]

Yes, you need air to come in and air needs to be pushed out.

Phase one. Working on back venting also
.

 

[OG Anomaly]

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

This is my first year having chickens and I was very worried about the cold.
After reading through your artic weather thread from 2013... pretty much, the only thing I'm worried about is frostbite and critters, lol. We have leghorns and their combs are bigger than your what your breeds are.
That doesn't mean I'm not winterizing, lol.
Just that I'm no longer concerned with extra cords, heaters, bulbs, etc. Right now, we have one cord and it's going to be used for a heated waterer, outside the coop. And we're putting up clear shower curtains on three sides...
Anyway...I would tell anyone who is worried about the cold effecting their chickens to read it. If I knew how to link it, I would.
Of course everyone's set up is different, but for my small coop, it really eased my mid. Thank you so much for taking the time to record your experience.
I'm also new to the site & didn't realize you were still active.
I was going to say something on your thread, but because it was older, wasn't sure if you'd see it. (shout out to @biophiliac for recommending it to me).

I think I remember that winter, we had around the same temps. I'm in a small valley, south of Buffalo, NY, right in the snowbelt. I'm pretty sure that was the year we had windchills at -62F!